In some circumstances, we may find ourselves walking along the street when a stranger suddenly falls unconscious or when a vehicular accident with injured casualties emerges. Although we do not have a legal responsibility to give emergency aid, it will not be legally and morally right to leave persons without aid much less we know that we are capable of helping. However, one thing that may hold us back from intervention are the liabilities that we may incur later. Do the uncertain liabilities outweigh our moral obligation to help strangers in times of medical emergency? The concept of The Good Samaritan act gives the answer.
In the United States, the Good Samaritan Law has been passed to encourage on-the-spot volunteer first aid in emergency situations by persons with the proper knowledge and skill.
A nurse therefore who renders first aid or treatment at the scene of emergency and who does so within the standard of care, acting in good faith, is relieved of the consequences of the act.
The Good Samaritan Act is based on the biblical story of a man who aided an injured person who was waylaid by thieves and was left half-dead. The Samaritan took care of him with compassion, bound up his wounds, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan to illustrate how we can love our neighbors.
As nurses, we are all bounded by our oath and commitment to care for the sick and the healthy and to help every person who is in need of medical attention along the way. Not only do we save a person when we offer help, but we also make a difference in the world.
--------------------------------------------
Follow us on Facebook
www.thefilipinonurse.net
The filipinonurse.net is always on the lookout for interesting stories about Filipino Nurses worldwide. If you know of a Filipino nurse who should be featured here, please feel free to send us a message via our Facebook Page.
0 Comments